Bill Text: AZ SCR1033 | 2012 | Fiftieth Legislature 2nd Regular | Enrolled
Bill Title: United States Merchant Marine
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-04-19 - Transmitted to Secretary Of State [SCR1033 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2012-SCR1033-Enrolled.html
|
Senate Engrossed |
|
State of Arizona Senate Fiftieth Legislature Second Regular Session 2012
|
|
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1033 |
|
|
|
|
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
honoring the united states merchant marine and its veterans for exceptional service and patriotism.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, the United States Merchant Marine served as the nation's first navy and helped George Washington's Continental Army defeat the British Navy; and
Whereas, since 1775, United States Merchant Mariners have served valiantly in times of peace and in every war; and
Whereas, the United States Merchant Marine Academy is the only one of the five service academies that sends its cadets into war; and
Whereas, 142 undergraduates of the Academy were lost during World War II; and
Whereas, during World War II, Merchant Mariners served honorably in combat but were denied veterans' benefits and recognition at the end of the war despite sustaining the highest rate of casualties of any of the armed services; and
Whereas, more than 95% of the Allied forces and materiel that were transported during World War II were transported by Merchant Marine ships; and
Whereas, the Merchant Mariners of World War II were denied the unprecedented benefits of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, known as the G.I. Bill of 1944; and
Whereas, the story of the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II is one of patriotism, of youthful exuberance, of dedication to duty, of bravery in the midst of battle and of a nation that forgot those heroes after the end of the war for more than forty years, until they were given veteran status in 1998; and
Whereas, by the time the Merchant Mariners received official recognition, more than 125,000 had died and many had lost out on opportunities and benefits they greatly deserved; and
Whereas, National Maritime Day, observed each year on May 22, is a fitting tribute to the contributions of the United States Merchant Marine to the prosperity and safety of our great nation and to the dedicated veterans who have sacrificed so greatly through their service with the United States Merchant Marine.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:
1. That the Members of the Legislature recognize the tremendous sacrifice and contributions of the United States Merchant Marine and its veterans, as well as the entire maritime industry, during and following World War II and honor the exceptional heroism and patriotism of the United States Merchant Marine veterans.
2. That the Members of the Legislature encourage Arizona's citizens to observe National Maritime Day with appropriate activities and tributes honoring the United States Merchant Marine.
PASSED BY THE HOUSE APRIL 16, 2012.
PASSED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 28, 2012.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 19, 2012.
